Lots of dance events, the creators of 'Serial' and The Abnormal Tube Meat Madness

Even for the most ardent supporter of the arts, attending modern dance performances are the cultural equivalent of flossing your teeth; something that we should really do more often, but just can't seem to find the time. But if there was ever a weekend to move your butt and see what San Diego has to offer in the modern dance department, this might be that weekend.

First up, Somebody Somewhere from Mojalet Dance Collective cleverly plays on themes of worldly balance. That is, while someone is sleeping, another person might be running for his life. While one couple breaks up, another is reconciling. A company of 10 dancers, choreographed by Mojalet artistic director Faith Jensen-Ismay, will perform variations on this theme starting Friday, Feb. 26 thorough Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Raw Space Off Broadway venue (923 First Ave.) in downtown. Performance times vary and tickets start at $16 at mojalet.com.

Fans of pop music may want to check out PGK Dance Project's Mashed Up Songs & Dances on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Inspired by a collaboration between PGK choreographer Peter Kalivas and musician Rayme Sciaroni, the night will include multiple dance performances backed by live singers performing mash-ups of songs by Katy Perry, Adele, John Legend and more. And considering it'll be held at the downtown Sparks Gallery (530 Sixth Ave.), we expect it'll be a much more intimate affair. Tickets start at $25 at pgkdanceproject.org.

And while it's not technically this week, do keep the UC San Diego's Theatre & Dance department's winterWORKS showcase on the radar. Held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12, each at 7:30 p.m., the performances are centered on the theme of collaboration, with dozens of professional dancers working with novices who had never even walked into a studio before. Tickets start at $10 at theatre.ucsd.edu.

If the success of the This American Life -produced podcast, Serial , proves anything, it's that truth remains stranger than fiction. Hosted by reporter Sarah Koenig, the second season of the weekly true crime/investigative reporting show revolves around Bowe Bergdahl, the former Army soldier who was captured by the Taliban and later accused of desertion. While we certainly don't expect any spoilers from Koenig and company at their Wednesday, March 2, appearance at the Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.), the Binge-Worthy Journalism: Backstage with the Creators of Serial live event should offer a behind-the-scenes window into all the investigative work that goes into each episode. Both Koenig and co-creator Julie Snyder will be there for a 60-minute presentation followed by a half hour Q&A session. It starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $30 at sandiegotheatres.org.

Let's be frank, tubed meat is the most disturbing alternative to commercial cover-ups such as hot dogs or sausages, yet, they are one and the same. At The Abnormal Tube Meat Madness, bratwursts, hot links and a smorgasbord of meats will be grilled, griddled, smoked and boiled by six chefs from Carnitas' Snack Shack, Fathom Bistro, Little Lion Cafe and more. Aside from referencing the event's abnormality, the name is also a play on the beer pairing provided by Abnormal Beer Co. On Saturday, Feb. 27, mustard up an appetite and head down to Machete Beer House (2325 Highland Ave.) at 12:30 p.m. for this event, which costs between $40 and $65 for six pairings. Just keep your sausage jokes to a minimum. They're the wurst. brownpapertickets.com/event/2492681